lots of play in the steering from ise to side

115

Asked by vinney61 Oct 11, 2007 at 06:08 PM about the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 LT 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have had the front end re aligned today and brand new tires mounted and balanced today also..but the steering is very loose and I msut compensate it by turning the wheel slightly to keep the vehicle in the center. When the alignment was completed today the mechanic told me that the steering wheel as back on center again. He suggested that it was in the steering "box"??

4 Answers

27,615

Unless you're experiencing serious steering issues like your steering wheel locks up or it jerks as you turn or your turning radius has suffered significantly, I would still say that you have a bad alignment. If you used a retail outlet and you don't trust the same mechanic to redo the alignment - take it to another retail outlet and have them check his work. Either way, do it soon as they may not warranty the alignment for very long.

5 people found this helpful.
115

I took it to another alignment shop today and they said it was right on..they agreed that the steering was very loose. They suggested that it was in the " sub assembly of the internal steering column." I dont know where else to take it except maybe to a certified chevy dealer and hold onto my wallet...any other suggestions??

6 people found this helpful.
50,615

If you had new tires, and alignment done, that tells me there was a reason for doing it. Maybe the new tires and alignment exasperated the preexisting problem and it is now more noticeable. Anything from the idler arm being bad to bearings either worn or lose. A good front end mechanic should be able to eliminate a lot of the steering issues and narrow it down. After 15 years of driving, there has to be something worn.

5 people found this helpful.
60

John is right on...Sounds like inexperienced mechanics.I do my own alignments as long as its toe in and out.Common sense,turning the steering wheels turns the wheels. Watch as someone turns the wheel both ways with vehicle running. Observe all steering connections from tie rod ends back to steering gearbox input.The play may even be in just one wheel.Highly unlikely its in the steering column.

6 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Suburban

Looking for a Used Suburban in your area?

CarGurus has 511 nationwide Suburban listings starting at $11,950.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Andrew Olsen
    Reputation
    3,080
  • #2
    JimO65
    Reputation
    2,390
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    2,130
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used GMC Yukon XL
11 Great Deals out of 725 listings starting at $1,000
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
18 Great Deals out of 859 listings starting at $9,980
Used Ford Expedition
18 Great Deals out of 682 listings starting at $5,650
Used GMC Yukon
17 Great Deals out of 941 listings starting at $5,998
Used Cadillac Escalade
30 Great Deals out of 535 listings starting at $1,000
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
222 Great Deals out of 9,112 listings starting at $2,900
Used Lincoln Navigator
255 listings starting at $17,990
Used Ford F-150
363 Great Deals out of 12,802 listings starting at $599
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
39 Great Deals out of 1,814 listings starting at $1,000
Used GMC Sierra 1500
182 Great Deals out of 9,044 listings starting at $1,000
Used Toyota Sienna
36 Great Deals out of 578 listings starting at $2,499
Used Dodge Durango
65 Great Deals out of 1,994 listings starting at $7,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.